When it comes to buying a used car, then there are some key things to look for before making that purchase. Finding a used car without any troubles can easily be done when you know what to do ahead of time. It all has to do with research and knowing what to look for in a car that can potentially cause you problems down the road. 

Before going to a used car lot or looking online, then you will want to do your research in order to know what type of car you are looking for. You will need to set your budget ahead of time as well. Do some research on the types of cars that you want according to where you live. For example, if you live in a hilly or mountainous region, then you will want to consider getting a car with all-wheel drives, such as a Subaru, or four-wheel drive in order to ensure that you are safe in the winter. 

This cannot be stressed enough. Once you have an idea of the make or model of the car that you want, then you can start shopping. You can shop online or go down to the lot. Online car shopping has become increasingly easier and you can do your research online without any pressure from salesmen. You’ll want to also research the worst performing car for the years that you are shopping for in order to ensure that you don’t purchase one of them.

If the car is sold for ‘as is’ then you are responsible for any problems that occur after the point of sale. This is something to note as you can either purchase a car ‘as is’ or with a warranty. If the window sticker or the listing online says that there is a warranty attached (as must be done if the car is over a certain price for its value) then make sure that the dealer gives you the warranty at the point of purchase. 

No matter what car you are purchasing, you will always want to have it inspected before you buy it. You can either have a mechanic look at it or you can also bring a friend along to help with the inspection. The people behind westsideauto.com.au suggest that it is best to inspect the car when it hasn’t been driven for at least one hour. You can check out the engine, the oil, under the car, and look carefully for any dents or issues with the car. 

When inspecting the exterior yourself or with a mechanic, make sure that you look over the overall body condition, including searching for any dents or scratches on the car. You will also want to look over the glass to make sure there are no scratches or chips in it. Ask questions about the conditions of the tires, including how many miles they have on them. Look at the tread of the tires and inspect them to make sure that all of the tires are the same. 

It’s very important to spend as much time inspecting the interior of the car. Sit in it and check for peculiar odors. If there is a moldy smell, then there may be a water leak. Check the floor mats and check for an acrid smell, which means a smoker may have owned the car previously. If the mats are bad and you wish to replace them, you can head to simplycarmats.co.uk for other alternatives to replace those mats. Check the seats and look at the upholstery. You’ll also want to turn on the car and check for any lights on the dashboard, such as the check engine’ light, which should go off when you start up the engine. You can also check out the sound system and ensure that the speakers are working correctly.

Once you have inspected the exterior and interior of the car, then you want to open up the hood and look at the engine. Things to look out for here are as to whether or not the hoses and belts are in good shape. It is important to know when you need to change the timing belt on older car models as that can be an extra expense upfront. You’ll want to check the life of the battery as well as the radiator and the fluids. 

It is also important to have an inspection under the car. Your dealer should raise the car for you if they can. Otherwise, you’ll want to take it somewhere to inspect underneath. You can find clear signs of a past accident this way as well as things such as the tailpipe for residues to see if it is burning oil.

Never buy a used car at the price point that they are offering. Look up the car’s value on sites such as Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds. Know the car’s worth and what you want to pay for it. Factor in any additional issues such as body damage, scratches, dents, or other repairs that you will need to make. 

There are numerous things to look out for when purchasing a used car, but once you know what to do, then finding the right one should be stress-free!